Dubai Press Club (DPC) has announced the launch of a first-of-its-kind digital initiative, the Agenda, which will host a series of virtual seminars, meetings, workshops and talk shows using the latest digital social networking applications

The first session of the Agenda will be held on Monday 6th August at 11.00pm UAE time on DPC’s page on Google +. Netizens can participate in the session using Google Hangouts, a chat application that will allow them to watch and interact with the proceedings of the event from anywhere using computers and SmartPhones. The session will also be broadcast on DPC’s channel on YouTube. The discussions on Twitter (#agenda) will be integrated to DPC’s page on Google+, which connects many websites at the same time.

Maryam bin Fahad said: “Agenda comes as part of our efforts to mark a presence and interact with our stakeholders across various parts of the Arab region and the world through social networking. Towards this end, we have invested in electronic assets including digital platforms on the internet.

“Furthermore, Agenda will serve as a foundational step to establishing a more defined and comprehensive digital initiative that will benefit Arab media professionals and students over the next few months. The project will offer training and specialized media education, besides providing information and services.”

In addition to discussing the role of media in promoting the use of social networks, the session aims to highlight the ethical responsibilities of users. The event comes at a time when the digital platform is witnessing a rapid increase in the number of users, comprising the youth as well as media and thought leaders from various walks of life. The phenomenal reach and power of the platform is also leading to the spread of practices that are inconsistent with Arab and Islamic culture and traditions. DPC’s initiative of introducing the Agenda aims to explore the new scenarios emerging out of the prolific growth of the digital platform.

Joumana Saad

Before joining SME Advisor, I worked as a producer/reporter for Forbes Media in New York. I obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and International Studies at the University of South Florida in the US. I am currently in Dubai working as Sub-Editor for SME Advisor Middle East, which is a business magazine published by CPI. You can follow me on Twitter: @joumanasaad or @SMEadvisorME and (Joumana Saad) or (SME Advisor) on LinkedIn.

SME Advisor Middle East is aimed at business owners and senior executives across the GCC. Armed with practical advice, it has been highlighting key business issues for the small and medium enterprise segment since its launch in 2005.